pinhata

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Portuguese[edit]

Uma pinhata

Etymology[edit]

From Mexican Spanish piñata, from piña, from Latin pinea (pinecone), because its paper cover (on traditional making) resembles one. Alternatively from Spanish via Italian pignatta (clay pot),[1] from a Chinese custom allegedly introduced by Marco Polo.[2]

Pronunciation[edit]

 
  • (Brazil) IPA(key): /pĩˈɲa.tɐ/ [pĩˈj̃a.tɐ]
    • (Southern Brazil) IPA(key): /piˈɲa.ta/

  • Hyphenation: pi‧nha‧ta

Noun[edit]

pinhata f (plural pinhatas)

  1. (Latin American culture) a doll or other decorated container that is filled with candy and hit with a hammer or a stick by blindfolded children during birthday parties or other celebrations until the candy falls out

References[edit]

  1. ^ piñata”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.
  2. ^ Center for History and New Media (2019 March 15 (last accessed)) “Piñata [Object]”, in Children and Youth in History, Item #411[1]:Polo likely brought the idea to Italy, where by the 14th century it was associated with celebration of Lent, and acquired the Italian name pignatta or "fragile pot."